Viking History

The Viking Age, beginning with the raid on Lindisfarne in 793 AD and lasting roughly until the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, represents a time of ingenuity and a fearless journey into the mists of the unknown. Yet, that depends on what story a given source tells us, for others regard this period as a time of great violence and darkness. Still, it remains a contested period between the forces of savagery and of innovative exploration. The reputation of the Vikings has captivated the imaginations of thousands, and yet they still remain shrouded in the mists to which they had set their sails. But perhaps the most enlightening aspect of the Viking Age is how Scandinavia gradually integrated itself into the larger medieval world.

Currently, this page holds links to the various lessons of a Viking History Crash Course that have been featured on this website’s mother-blog. They are considered to be ‘informal’ because they have been written by an undergraduate student, have not undergone peer-review, and do not make use of substantial sources. Rather, they generally use a single classroom experience complemented with various books, articles, and other reliable sources. Nonetheless, they are not cohesive undertakings of their respective topics, but rather introductions to greater areas for study. Keep this in mind while enjoying the content!

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Fjörn's Hall Podcast

Retelling the Sagas and Lore of the Medieval North

Welcome to Fjörn’s Hall, where a friendly skáld recounts the stories and lore of the medieval North! In each episode of this podcast, we gather around the hearthside and explore a new aspect of the 'Viking' world by retelling their stories, spicing them up with a bit of academic research, and stimulating lively discussions that are informative, fun, and relevant.